Try this pasta preschool lunch for a healthy and colorful meal your kids will love.

It’s simple to make and easy for your child to tote in their lunch bag and enjoy at school. Grab some pasta, and let’s work some magic!

Peas and pasta in a lunch container with fresh strawberries, cucumber, and carrots.

Easy Preschool Pasta Lunch

This pasta salad comes together quickly and makes a great lunch idea for smaller appetites. It’s easy to whip up with just a handful of familiar ingredients and offers a variety of nutrients their growing bodies need.

You could also include chopped deli cuts, diced grilled chicken, or hard-boiled eggs for added protein.

Pasta salads also hold up well in a lunch bag and don’t require any reheating- it’s the perfect way to pack something your child will feel comfortable eating on their own. Just add an ice pack to the lunch bag, and they’re all set.

If you’re looking for something more bento-style try one of these preschool snack ideas. They’re made packed with different snack bites, fruit, veggies, and protein and they’re perfect for kids.

What is in this Preschool Pasta Lunch

Pasta salads are fair game for customizing, but here’s what you need for a good start:

Pasta: macaroni, rotini, penne, and shells work great!
Green peas: frozen green peas add bright color, fiber, and protein.
Light dressing: use a light vinaigrette or plain olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Something sweet: pack this lunch with strawberries, sliced apples, grapes, etc.
Veggie: add fresh veggies for a crunchy snack.

Want more healthy lunch ideas to fill up the lunchbox? I’ve got just the ones you’re looking for:

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How to Pack Preschool Pasta Lunch

Here’s how to assemble a pasta salad and keep it fresh until lunchtime:

Prep
Boil the pasta, slice the cucumbers, and prep the berries.
Toss the Pasta Salad
In a large bowl, combine the pasta and thawed green peas. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to combine.
Keep the Pasta Fresh
Transfer the pasta into the largest compartment of the lunch container. Pack the fruit and veggies into separate compartments.
Prepare for Take-Off
Close the lunch container and pack it into a lunch bag with an ice pack.

Looking for a lunch container with compartments so you can pack a variety into one container? Check out my favorites, here.

Preschool Pasta Lunch

Print Recipe

This preschool pasta lunch makes a perfect meal for smaller appetites, and it’s easy to whip up with simple ingredients.

Author: MOMables – Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1
Category: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units

½ cup dry macaroni or shell pasta
¼ cup frozen peas, thawed
½ tablespoon olive oil
Salt & black pepper
Strawberries, washed and halved
Sliced cucumber
Carrot chips

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Instructions

Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
To the pasta, add the frozen green peas, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss the ingredients together and transfer the pasta salad into a compartmentalized lunch container.
Pack the veggies and fruit into a separate compartment and top with the lid.
Refrigerate or pack the container into a lunch bag with an ice pack.